Karen E. Osborne
Author Interview - Karen E. Osborne
Author of Reckonings
Winner of the Indie Reader Discovery Award. Finalist for the Maxy and American Legacy Awards.
Roxy is a hardworking mom drowning in chaos—two rescue dogs, three young children, a pregnant teen, a resentful husband, and a soul-crushing job. But she has hope. A local community theater is staging her debut play in nine days. Just as life feels like things might get better—a small house, Roxy and Carl starting their own business, a dangerous man from her past resurfaces, threatening everything she’s tried to protect.
Reckonings is a gripping, emotional rollercoaster—equal parts suspense and heart—that explores how buried secrets, broken trust, and hard-won forgiveness shape a family’s future.
“Had me hooked from start to finish.” – Debbie Rozier, Reviewer
“A beautifully told story about choices, consequences, and the unmeasurable power of family.” – Joan M. Griffin, Author of Forces of Nature
Author Interview - Karen E. Osborne
Author I draw inspiration from:
Celeste Ng Little Fires Everywhere. I love the depth and fullness of the characters along with a taught and engrossing story.
Author Interview - Karen E. Osborne | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
I listen to a lot of novels while walking, driving, and exercising. Sitting down to read requires a cup of tea and favorite chair or glass of wine watching ocean waves ebb and flow.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
I enjoy watching plays, and I also appreciate reading them. August Wilson is one of my favorite writers. Roxy, in my novel Reckonings, has written a play. She's also an overwhelmed mother and wife who made (and keeps making) mistakes. Rose in the Wilson play Fences is a complex wife and mother who does her best, takes an honest look at herself, forgives. If I were stuck in an elevator, I'd like Roxy and Rose to meet, and I'd listen to them speak about their choices, regrets, pains, joys and lessons.
Author Interview - Karen E. Osborne | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
I started making up stories before kindergarten. Wrote my first short story when I was twelve. In my high school graduation yearbook under the title Ambition, I put writer. Throughout my life I found time to write short stories and poetry. I took writing classes in high school and college. But a big career, husband, children, and life kept me from pursuing my passion. When the characters in my first novel, Getting It Right, demanded I write their story, I took classes, sought feedback from reader and writer friends, bought and read endless how-to books. Movies, plays and reading, added to my knowledge. Then came the dreaded pitching. Trying to secure an agent and book contract with a publisher. Rejections are painful, but I kept going, honing my craft. When my agent brought me a contract I cried. My first novel came out when I was 69 years old. Since then, four more novels have been published. You are never too old, too young, or too anything to live your dreams.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
Hardback books are wonderful and, prior to eBooks, my first choice. I’d always packed two or three because I didn’t want to finish one and not have another ready to read. I lugged those books onto planes and trains. But they are heavy and take up a lot of shelf space at home. Paperbacks used to be small and flimsy. But now, they’re substantial and I enjoy reading them. They too, however, take up a lot of space. I love audiobooks and especially eBooks that also offer a way to listen and read. That's the best. You never run out of reading material and there’s no worry about where to house them.
The last book I read:
Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow. Even though I anticipated various plot points I was still totally absorbed. Great character development. Slow burn. Legal thrillers are among my favorite genres. I'm currently reading The Other Princess by Denny S. Bryce. It’s historical fiction, another favorite genre. Beautifully written with lush language and imagery. Terrific historical detail and lots of suspense.
Author Interview - Karen E. Osborne | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
I've never met a lined piece of paper I didn't want to own and write on. I own journals, pads, and recycled paper cut into smaller pieces perfect for lists. Pens and paper are everywhere. I jot words, ideas, descriptions, timelines. But writing my novels happens on the computer, surrounded by my note pads. My writer son, Robert Osborne, urged me to write at least 15 minutes a day and I find that commitment helpful. On designated writing days, I type for hours, getting up every 60 minutes to stretch, walk and reflect. I write a lot in my head. But on busy days -- I have a very full volunteer life, plus family, and friends, plus marketing takes up a lot of time -- I write or re-write for a minimum of 15 minutes each day. Writers write. I try to keep that phrase in my mind whenever I think I don’t have enough time.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
I adore the character Dallas in Reckonings. We all need a best friend like her. She's funny, sassy, caring, honest, and sticks with Roxy, the protagonist, despite Roxy’s missteps. I'm blessed to have friends like that. Miranda Quinn of the legal twist series by Gail Olmstead, like Dallas, gives honest advice, is open to learning and growing, fun and funny, super smart, and loyal.
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
Author is my third career. Before this my husband and I owned a consulting company helping nonprofits, hospitals, colleges and schools. We traveled the world providing advice and training. Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia. I loved the work. After a while, being on the road, in a plane, hotel, away from home, wore me out. My first career was an advancement major gift officer for two colleges. My last post was Vice President for Advancement working for a visionary President. My responsibilities took me all over the United States bringing people with means together with students, faculty, deans and presidents. In fact, I’ve visited alumni in every state (except Alaska), Canada and Mexico. In each career, I was/am blessed with doing meaningful work that helps others. I got to be part of caring communities-- sharing, helping, supporting, and celebrating together. I don't have a dream career. I've lived and I am living my dream.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
True Grace, my fourth novel inspired by my grandmother, is set in 1924 during the Roaring Twenties. A flapper dress graces the cover and has a pivotal part in the story. All the dresses of Grace, the main character, I loved researching and designing in my head. My latest work is Justice for Emerson, a dual timeline murder mystery -- present day and 1968. A child of the sixties, I loved all the bellbottom pants, miniskirts and short-shorts, though when I look back, I cringe a bit. Did I really wear dresses THAT short? LOL
Place I’d most like to travel:
I've traveled a lot! This year my husband and I are returning to Australia for the fourth time. We’re attending the wedding of a dear friend's son. On the way, we are going to stop in Bangkok, a city I've never visited. My husband was there a zillion years ago. On the way home we will spend time in Maui. One has to stop somewhere, so why not Hawaii, a place we love.
My signature drink:
Sauvignon Blanc after it sits out for a little bit so it’s not so cold. I find that’s when it’s the most flavorful. For the launch of Justice For Emerson, we created a signature Mocktail with cranberry and orange juice and a splash of club soda. I must admit, however, while it was fun and colorful, and the toast at the end of launch party went well, I preferred my wine.
Favorite artist:
I LOVE to dance to sixties, seventies, and eighties music but I enjoy current artists too. Stevie Wonder is one of my favorites. His music and storytelling is as fresh today as it was when he started his career at age 12.
Number one on my bucket list:
Genre switching and blending. Trying new things brings joy. I'm writing a romance/suspense novel and having fun learning as I go.
Anything else you'd like to add:
When I look back on my writing career there are three things that give me joy. 1. Researching, writing and re-writing. 2. Learning and trying new genres. 3. Meeting and speaking with readers at fairs, online, book clubs, and randomly (for example, in the supermarket or at a venue not tied to writing). It’s exciting to have someone approach me and tell me they enjoyed one of my books. Thank you for this interview. Supporting authors is a beautiful endeavor and much appreciated. I hope your readers enjoy meeting me virtually. I look forward to hearing from them.
Find more from the author:
Website: https://www.kareneosborne.com/
Video Podcast: https://www.kareneosborne.com/blog-1
Facebook: (20+) Karen E Osborne, Author | Facebook
YouTube: Karen E. Osborne - YouTube
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writerkareneosborne/
LinkedIn: Karen E. Osborne | LinkedIn
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karen-e-osborne
About Karen E. Osborne:
From Victim, to Survivor, to Thriver – Karen’s personal story rivels the fictional women she created in her novels.
An incest victim, Karen suffered from anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. She always knew something was wrong, but she didn’t know what. During her marriage to her high-school boyfriend, becoming the parent of their infant son, adopting a two-year-old girl from foster care, and starting her career in philanthropy and nonprofits, Karen struggled to get well. It wasn’t until she was in her forties that the memories, flashbacks like movie reels, came crashing back.
Therapy, prayer, and love from her husband, family, and friends, helped her move from victim to survivor.
Her philanthropy career took off. She traveled the US and the world, consulting, and teaching.
She began to thrive.
One day, returning from a trip, Kara, the protagonist of Karen’s first novel, started speaking to her. She wrote her first book on airplanes, in hotel rooms, and airports. Getting It Right was published when Karen was 69 years old. Tangled Lies followed, then Reckonings, True Grace and Justice for Emerson. Karen grew from victim to survivor and now she is a Thriver! She’s an award-winning author working on her next projects.
An Elder in her church, Karen serves the unhoused and hungry. She’s Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Easterseals Florida, helping those with disabilities, and she continues to volunteer for professional organizations. Karen and Bob, married for 56 years, have two grown children and three grandsons. Native New Yorkers, they now live in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.
